Cyprian, Paul, and Care for the Poor and Captive: Offering Sacrifices and Ransoming Temples

Abstract

Abstract:The ways in which Cyprian appropriates Scripture to address the challenges facing his flock give us an insight into how theology, text, and context are interwoven in his biblical interpretation. As a contribution to studies in the reception of Paul and early North African exegesis, I examine all the quotations of and allusions to the canonical Paul in Cyprian’s exhortations to care for the poor and captive. This reveals him to be a creative interpreter of Scripture, employing reading strategies of model, image, direct application, and qualification, as well as tailoring them to serve his aims in particular works. Also evident is that, here at least, Cyprian’s promotion of almsgiving is not linked to patronage; rather, he uses Paul to promote a counter-cultural attitude—pleasing God rather than cultivating clients.